Maternal Death Rate Shoots Up

Namibia is experiencing reversals on child, infant and maternal health despite being one of the leading countries in reporting progress on child survival.

Infant and under-five mortality rates have increased, while the number of women who die during pregnancy, delivery or shortly after giving birth has doubled.

Preliminary results of the 2006 demographic and health survey indicate that there is a major increase in maternal deaths, with the sharp decrease in infant and child mortality rates not having been sustained.

The data that the Ministry of Health and Social Services is still analysing indicates that the maternal mortality rate increased from 227 per 100ǟ